Tuck sheet

ABSTRACT

A tuck sheet in the form of a pocket closed at one end and open at an opposite end to receive a mattress or the like can comprise at least one fastener which is fastenable in at least two different positions to adjust a level of pressure exerted by the tuck sheet and/or wherein a first side of the pocket and a second side of the pocket can be of a different weightings, thicknesses, materials, compositions and/or tog ratings.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to tuck sheets and in particular, configurable tuck sheets.

BACKGROUND

In an effort to help infants, toddlers and/or babies sleep, they are often tucked in tightly with a blanket, sheet or the like. However, with conventional blankets, sheets or the like, as soon as the infant, toddler or baby moves or rolls, the blanket, sheet or the like becomes loose. The resulting freedom the infant, toddler or baby has to move can cause anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.

Zip tuck sheets have therefore been developed which aim to address this problem. Such tuck sheets are in the form of a pocket and typically have an elasticated portion which fits around the mattress in an effort to safely secure the infant, toddler or baby in position without being too tight or without the tuck sheet becoming loose when the infant, toddler or baby moves.

One type of known zip tuck sheet is similar to a sleeping bag which accommodates a lower part and a middle part of the mattress. The tuck sheet comprises a zipper down one side to facilitate insertion of the lower and middle part of the mattress. The tuck sheet comprises an elasticated band about a top portion with flaps on either side of the zipper. The flaps comprise hook and loop fasteners to secure the flaps together in a single predetermined position.

One problem with such tuck sheets and other known tuck sheets is that they are only suitable to a specific size of mattress. If used with the wrong size of mattress, the sheet will be too tight or too loose.

Another problem with known tuck sheets is that typically only a single level of firmness is achievable, which does not necessarily suit all infants, toddlers and/or babies.

A further problem with known tuck sheets is that they are typically of a single weighting, thickness or tog. To change the weighting or thickness, for example for different seasons, a different tuck sheet or blanket must be used.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a tuck sheet that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems and/or provides a useful commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, but not necessarily the broadest or the only aspect, the present invention is directed to a tuck sheet in the form of a pocket closed at one end and open at an opposite end to receive a mattress or the like, the tuck sheet comprising at least one fastener which is fastenable in at least two different positions to adjust a level of pressure exerted by the tuck sheet.

Suitably, a first side of the pocket is of a first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating and a second side of the pocket is of a second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating, wherein the first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating is different from the second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating.

According to another aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to a tuck sheet in the form of a pocket closed at one end and open at an opposite end to receive a mattress or the like, the tuck sheet wherein a first side of the pocket is of a first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating and a second side of the pocket is of a second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating, wherein the first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating is different from the second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating.

Suitably, the tuck sheet comprises at least one fastener which is fastenable in at least two different positions to adjust a level of pressure exerted by the tuck sheet.

Suitably, the at least one fastener is provided on the first side of the pocket.

Suitably, the at least one fastener is provided on the second side of the pocket.

Suitably, the at least one fastener is provided on the first side of the pocket and on the second side of the pocket.

Suitably, the at least one fastener extends from the open end of the pocket at least part way down towards the closed end of the pocket.

Suitably, the at least one fastener extends from the open end of the pocket at least 80% of the way down towards the closed end of the pocket.

Suitably, the at least one first fastener is selected from the following: a zip or zipper, such as a two-way, open-end zipper; buttons and holes; hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro® press studs; poppers; toggles and loops.

In some embodiments, the tuck sheet comprises a fastener in the form of a zipper or zip comprising a first half zip on the first side of the pocket and a second half zip spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first half-zip on the first side of the pocket, wherein closing or fastening of the zipper with the first half zip causes the tuck sheet to exert a first level of pressure and closing or fastening of the zipper with the second half zip causes the tuck sheet to exert a second level of pressure different from the first level of pressure.

Suitably, the tuck sheet comprises the same arrangement of zipper, first half zip and second half zip on the second side of the pocket.

Further features and/or aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of example only, wherein like reference numerals refer to like features. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a tuck sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first size;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a tuck sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second size;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a tuck sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a photograph showing a front view of a tuck sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tuck sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention in place around a mattress;

FIG. 6 a photograph showing a front view of a tuck sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention in place around a mattress in a bassinette; and

FIG. 7 is a photograph showing a side view of the tuck sheet shown in FIG. 6.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention may be represented schematically and/or the drawings may omit one or more features for the sake of clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, according to one aspect of the present invention, a tuck sheet 10 is in the form of a pocket 12 closed at one end 14 and open at an opposite end 16 to receive a mattress 18 or the like, as shown in FIG. 4. The tuck sheet 10 comprises at least one fastener 20 which is fastenable in at least two different positions to adjust a level of pressure exerted by the tuck sheet 10.

In some embodiments, a first side 22 of the pocket 12 is of a first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating and a second side 24 of the pocket 12 is of a second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating, wherein the first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating is different from the second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first side 22 of the pocket 12 has a tog rating of 1 tog and has a width of about 73 cm. The second side 24 of the pocket 12 has a tog rating of 0.2 tog and has a width of about 70 cm. It will be appreciated that the first side 22 with the higher tog rating is thicker than the second side 24 and therefore the first side is wider than the second side. In this example, the tuck sheet 10 has a height of about 63 cm. This embodiment of the tuck sheet is suitable for a cot or the like. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the particular measurements provided for this example.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first side 22 of the pocket 12 has a tog rating of 1 tog and has a width of about 45 cm. The second side 24 of the pocket 12 has a tog rating of 0.2 tog and has a width of about 42 cm. It will be appreciated that the first side 22 with the higher tog rating is thicker than the second side 24 and therefore the first side is wider than the second side. In this example, the tuck sheet 10 has a height of about 45 cm. This embodiment of the tuck sheet is suitable for a bassinette, co-sleeper or the like. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the particular measurements provided for this example and other measurements can be used.

In some embodiments, the at least one fastener 20 is provided on the first side 22 of the pocket 12.

In some embodiments, the at least one fastener 20 is provided on the second side 24 of the pocket 12.

In preferred embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 3, the at least one fastener 20 is provided on the first side 22 of the pocket 12 and on the second side 22 of the pocket 12. In such preferred embodiments, the fastener 20 is easily fastenable in at least two different positions to adjust a level of pressure exerted by the tuck sheet 10 irrespective of whether the first side 22 or the second side 24 is on top of the mattress 18.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the at least one fastener 20 extends from the open end 16 of the pocket 12 at least part way down towards the closed end 14 of the pocket 12.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one fastener 20 extends from the open end 16 of the pocket 12 at least 80% of the way down towards the closed end 14 of the pocket 12.

In further preferred embodiments, the at least one fastener 20 extends from the open end 16 of the pocket 12 at least 85% of the way down towards the closed end 14 of the pocket 12.

In some embodiments, the at least one first fastener 20 is selected from the following: a zip or zipper, such as an open-end zipper; buttons and holes; hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®; press studs; poppers; toggles and loops.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the tuck sheet 10 comprises a fastener 20 in the form of a zipper or zip comprising a first half zip 26 on the first side 22 of the pocket 12 and a second half zip 28 spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first half-zip 26 on the first side 22 of the pocket 12. Closing or fastening of the zipper with the first half zip 26 causes the tuck sheet 10 to exert a first level of pressure on the mattress 18 inside the pocket 12. Closing or fastening of the zipper with the second half zip 28 causes the tuck sheet 10 to exert a second level of pressure on the mattress 18 inside the pocket 12 that is different from the first level of pressure. In this example, closing or fastening of the zipper with the second half zip 28 causes the tuck sheet 10 to exert a higher level of pressure on the mattress 18 inside the pocket 12 than the first level of pressure exerted by closing or fastening of the zipper with the first half zip 26.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the first half zip 26 on the first side 22 of the pocket 12 is spaced apart from the second half zip 28 by about 9 cm. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the particular spacing in this example and other spacings can be used.

In preferred embodiments, the tuck sheet 10 comprises the same arrangement of zipper, first half zip 26 and second half zip 28 on the second side 24 of the pocket 12, as shown in FIG. 3.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a tuck sheet 10 in the form of a pocket 12 is closed at one end 14 and open at an opposite end 16 to receive a mattress 18 or the like. A first side 22 of the pocket 12 is of a first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating and a second side 24 of the pocket 12 is of a second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating, wherein the first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating is different from the second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating.

In some embodiments, the tuck sheet 10 comprises at least one fastener 20 which is fastenable in at least two different positions to adjust a level of pressure exerted by the tuck sheet 10.

It will be appreciated that in this aspect of the present invention, the tuck sheet 10 can comprise one or more of the further features described herein.

In some embodiments, the at least one fastener 20 can be fastenable in more than two different positions to adjust a level of pressure exerted by the tuck sheet 10.

For example, a third and optionally further half zips can be provided on the first side 22 of the pocket 12 and/or the second side 24 of the pocket 12 to provide more than two different levels of pressure that can be exerted by the tuck sheet 10. The spacing between the half zips can be selected according to the difference in pressure between adjacent levels of pressure to be exerted by the tuck sheet 10.

In another example, a region of hooks or loops can be provided on the first side 22 of the pocket 12 and/or on the second side 24 of the pocket 12. Loops or hooks respectively can be provided in a strip on the first side 22 of the pocket 12 and/or on the second side 24 of the pocket 12. The strip can then positioned at any point on the region to provide a range of different pressures that can be exerted by the tuck sheet 10.

Embodiments of the present invention can be made from any known suitable fabric or material according to the weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating required for the first side 22 and the second side 24 of the pocket 12. In some embodiments, the tuck sheet 10 is made from desired weightings of a known stretch jersey fabric.

Hence, the tuck sheet 10 according to embodiments of the present invention addresses, or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems and provides a useful commercial alternative.

In embodiments where the at least one first fastener 20 is fastenable in at least two different positions, the level of pressure exerted by the tuck sheet 10 is therefore adjustable. The pressure exerted by the tuck sheet 10 is therefore adjustable between at least two levels, which renders the tuck sheet 10 more adaptable to a level of firmness required by a particular infant, toddler or baby than at least some of the prior art.

The adjustable nature of the tuck sheet 10 also enables the tuck sheet 10 to be used with different size mattresses, at least to an extent. The tuck sheet 10 can also be provided in different sizes to suit different size mattresses and different applications.

In embodiments where the first side 22 of the pocket 12 is of a first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating and a second side 24 of the pocket 12 is of a second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating, wherein the first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating is different from the second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating, the first side 22 can be used for, or during a first weather condition, such as summer, and the second side 24 can be used for, or during a second weather condition, such as winter, or vice versa. Different weightings, thicknesses, materials, compositions and/or tog ratings can therefore be provided in a single tuck sheet 10 according to embodiments of eh present invention.

Embodiments of the tuck sheet 10 are therefore more versatile than at least some prior art tuck sheets.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. 

1. A tuck sheet in the form of a pocket closed at one end and open at an opposite end to receive a mattress or the like, the tuck sheet comprising at least one fastener which is fastenable in at least two different positions to adjust a level of pressure exerted by the tuck sheet.
 2. The tuck sheet of claim 1, wherein a first side of the pocket is of a first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating and a second side of the pocket is of a second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating, wherein the first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating is different from the second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating.
 3. The tuck sheet of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is provided on the first side of the pocket, on the second side of the pocket, or on the first side of the pocket and on the second side of the pocket.
 4. The tuck sheet of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener extends from the open end of the pocket at least part way down towards the closed end of the pocket.
 5. The tuck sheet of claims 1, wherein the at least one fastener extends from the open end of the pocket at least 80% of the way down towards the closed end of the pocket.
 6. The tuck sheet of claim 1, wherein the at least one first fastener is selected from the following: a zip or zipper, such as a two-way, open-end zipper; buttons and holes; hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®; press studs; poppers; toggles and loops.
 7. The tuck sheet of claim 1, wherein the tuck sheet comprises a fastener in the form of a zipper or zip comprising a first half zip on the first side of the pocket and a second half zip spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first half-zip on the first side of the pocket, wherein closing or fastening of the zipper with the first half zip causes the tuck sheet to exert a first level of pressure and closing or fastening of the zipper with the second half zip causes the tuck sheet to exert a second level of pressure different from the first level of pressure.
 8. The tuck sheet of claim 7, wherein the tuck sheet comprises the same arrangement of zipper, first half zip and second half zip on the second side of the pocket.
 9. A tuck sheet in the form of a pocket closed at one end and open at an opposite end to receive a mattress or the like, wherein a first side of the pocket is of a first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating and a second side of the pocket is of a second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating, wherein the first weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating is different from the second weighting, thickness, material, composition and/or tog rating.
 10. The tuck sheet of claim 9, wherein the tuck sheet comprises at least one fastener which is fastenable in at least two different positions to adjust a level of pressure exerted by the tuck sheet.
 11. The tuck sheet of claim 10, wherein the at least one fastener is provided on the first side of the pocket, on the second side of the pocket, or on the first side of the pocket and on the second side of the pocket.
 12. The tuck sheet of claim 10, wherein the at least one fastener extends from the open end of the pocket at least part way down towards the closed end of the pocket.
 13. The tuck sheet of claim 10, wherein the at least one fastener extends from the open end of the pocket at least 80% of the way down towards the closed end of the pocket.
 14. The tuck sheet of claim 10, wherein the at least one first fastener is selected from the following: a zip or zipper, such as a two-way, open-end zipper; buttons and holes; hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®; press studs; poppers; toggles and loops.
 15. The tuck sheet of claim 9, wherein the tuck sheet comprises a fastener in the form of a zipper or zip comprising a first half zip on the first side of the pocket and a second half zip spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first half-zip on the first side of the pocket, wherein closing or fastening of the zipper with the first half zip causes the tuck sheet to exert a first level of pressure and closing or fastening of the zipper with the second half zip causes the tuck sheet to exert a second level of pressure different from the first level of pressure.
 16. The tuck sheet of claim 15, wherein the tuck sheet comprises the same arrangement of zipper, first half zip and second half zip on the second side of the pocket. 